I make lists…for everything! Here are my lists and reviews of some of my favorite things.

hospital packing list

With my brother and sister-in-law expecting their first baby this October, I figured it was appropriate to share my hospital packing list. I’ve used and refined it two times already, and will use it again this December when Anders Baby #3 makes his appearance!

If it was up to my husband, we would have our bags packed a good month before the baby’s due date…for me, I’m a packing procrastinator and wait until a week or two before. But, in this case, he usually gets his way, and honestly, it’s probably for the best!

*Disclaimer: I am a minimalist when it comes to packing. There are a lot more things expecting moms can bring, but these are my tried-and-true essentials.

Hospital/Birth Packing List

For Mom:

Going Home Outfit (make it comfy…especially in the tummy area in case of a C-Section. No skirts…trust me. You’ll still need maternity clothes for the trip home.)

Disposable Nursing Pads (I like reusable ones, but disposables are great the first few weeks when you don’t want to do a ton of laundry. Johnson’s is the most comfortable brand I’ve tried…others are really scratchy.)

Lanolin Creamfor nursing. Trust me, you need this! If you are allergic to wool, you may want to try this cream instead.

Cell Phone & Charger

ID, Insurance Card, Power of Attorney, Birth Plan (I found a simple birth plan to edit online like this one)
*Leave jewelry at home!

Air Mattress (our hospital has terribly uncomfortable pull-out beds. The air mattress is a much more comfortable option!)

Toiletries for overnight

List of people to call/text when you go to the hospital & when baby arrives (trust me…you won’t remember everyone when you’re in the moment, and you may forget to tell someone really important. Just make the list!)

For Baby:

Baby Swaddling Blanket (The Nicki’s or Imagine Bamboo blankets are my favorites! You can order one or more here.)